Physicochemical and bioactive properties of dehydrated mango pulp (Mangifera indica) using solar technology in the Amazonas Region, Peru
Abstract
Introduction Mangifera indica L. is a highly perishable tropical fruit, and sustainable preservation strategies are required to reduce postharvest losses while maintaining product quality. This study evaluated the influence of three solar drying configurations on the physicochemical, textural, and bioactive properties of mango (Mangifera indica L. var. Keitt) under the humid tropical highland conditions of the Peruvian Amazon. Methods The evaluated systems were a natural convection dryer without thermal storage (NCD), a forced convection dryer with limestone thermal storage in the solar collector (FCD-TSC), and a forced convection dryer with limestone thermal storage in the drying chamber (FCD-TSD). Mango slices (3 ± 0.5 mm) were dehydrated for up to 3120 min, and changes in pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), moisture, color, firmness, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Results Drying method, drying time, and their interaction significantly affected most properties. Moisture decreased from 86.81% in fresh mango to 21.67%, 18.70%, and 12.24% after 3120 min in NCD, FCD-TSC, and FCD-TSD, respectively, with FCD-TSD showing the greatest moisture removal. TSS and titratable acidity increased during dehydration, while firmness generally increased with drying time. FCD-TSD showed favorable lightness and the highest TPC at 3120 min (27.89 mg GAE/g), whereas the highest antioxidant capacity was observed in NCD (9.43 μmol TE/g). Discussion The apparent increases in bioactive properties were mainly associated with moisture loss, concentration effects, and changes in extractability during drying. Overall, forced convection combined with thermal storage, particularly when the storage material was located in the drying chamber, improved moisture removal while influencing the physicochemical and functional properties of dehydrated mango.